I’ve only known Steve for a few years, but it was always such a great pleasure to get a Skype or call from him. He was a very kind, intelligent, and generous man, with a great sense of humor. We would chat sometimes for hours, and not always about Libera. In every call, he would always get around to asking me how I was and how my family was doing.

He was a great help to me when I first started volunteering and his encouragement and advice was always wise and always welcome.

I have all of our text conversations still sitting there in my Skype history, and I can’t imagine why I would ever want to remove them. I’d rather see his smiling face there always in my contacts, with the online status of “Away”.

I heard this news earlier in the week, and I’m still trying to understand it in my heart. Though I have come to terms with it in my mind, my heart still says it is impossible. Steve was someone that I had the honour of calling a friend for many years. I’ll never forget how, after a conversation via Skype or just on our mobiles, he would end it with “it was good to hear your voice, buddy”.

Steve, you will be missed. I will keep your family and loved ones in my heart during this time of sorrow.

Though I never had the pleasure of meeting or speaking with Steve Philipp in person, I join with all the Libera Family in feeling a profound loss. Over some years I have moved from just being a listener to being a close – though mostly distant – follower of Libera’s activities. As an educator myself, I have always had a deep appreciation for the fact that the boy’s voices could never have come into my life without extraordinary support from family, friends and volunteers. Steve’s efforts as an enthusiastic father during Ben’s time in the choir led to so much more. Libera’s global presence grew and Steve’s years of dedicated service were a great gift to all of us. Thank you, Steve. May the Philipp family be comforted knowing how much he did to help Libera’s music touch our hearts.

I can’t add much to what those more eloquent than me have already said, but my thoughts are with all those who knew and loved him, from whom he has been taken far too soon. The Libera “family” has been enriched in many ways by his presence.

Thank you, Steve, for all your tireless work, largely done behind the scenes and acknowledged only by those closely involved with the organisation and by a small community of dedicated followers. And thank you for lending us your son!

…

His work on this earth done, he turned and followed the footsteps of those who came before him.

As his figure receded into the mist, I thought I heard a snatch of song: “I’m just going home…”

While visiting my mother in Missouri, I decided to bring her to St. Louis for a Libera concert. My mother was in her eighties and quite frail. The folks at the cathedral arranged a wheel chair for her and made sure we sat right in front. The real capper was when Steve came to our pew and asked if all was well and if we could see/hear ok. My mom has passed away since then but that was a big memory for her, especially since Steve made such an effort to see that she was comfortable. Thanks, Steve, and God bless you!

Rest in peace
Hope God always bless and give a better life to Mr. Steven. He will always memorize of the others🙏🏻

Love: Lisa from Indonesia

Steven will be sorely missed by those like that knew him and admired him, we send our condolences to all his family God Bless you all

I am shocked to hear this sad news. My condolences to his family, friends, and everyone who will miss him. Blessings to you all during this difficult time.

Sadly, I never had the pleasure of meeting and knowing Steve Philip personally. However, I with others, have undoubtedly been the the beneficiary of his caring devotion and the bringing of his particular gifts and skills to the life of the Libera family. And yes, my heart was profoundly touched and spirits lifted when the joyous harmonies of Libera first burst into my life at a time of personal sadness. He, along with the Libera family have been the catalyst in bringing much joy and happiness to many people world wide and for me the precious gift of lovely friendships. John Donne spoke truly when he said ‘No man is an island, entire of itself…..’
My thoughts, prayers and gratitude are with his family and friends in this time of loss and grief.

We most humbly beseech thee, of thy goodness, O Lord, to comfort and succour Benedict Philipp and all those who in this transitory life, are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity.

Remember, Lord, your servants who have died in the faith of Christ especially Steven Philipp; grant them continual growth in your love and service.

Grant these our prayers, O Father, for Jesus Christ’s sake,our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.

My eyes are filled with tears and my heart is breaking, not for myself but for our Libera family and moreso, Ben and his family! I met Steven ever so briefly at two of my 4 Libera concerts and he was a true gentlemen and an amazingly beautiful soul.

Ben and family, my deepest condolences to you and yours.
Libera, my condolences as well.

With love

Had the honor and pleasure of meeting him before/after several concerts we attended. Very personable, down-to-earth, kind man.
Can’t imagine how much he will be missed by the LIBERA organization.
My condolences to the family, especially Ben. May Our Lord bring them strength in this time of sorrow.

Having known Libera for the short period of one year only, I nevertheless can’t help feeling shocked and even sadder now three days after this information was given. I learnt that Libera was a heartfelt matter to Steve and that he did very, very much for Libera’s best, but I certainly am not able to grasp the REAL dimension. He must have been a great person. My thoughts are with Ben above all, with his family and all who belong to Libera. Much too early, much too young. And who can understand why.

It was with great shock and sadness that I heard of Steve’s untimely death one week ago. My immediate thoughts were for his family who loved him dearly and were dearly loved by him. How would they cope with such a tragic loss? I just hope they may find some comfort in the messages above which show how much Steve was loved and appreciated by what might perhaps be called the “extended” Libera Family.

So many times, after the concerts, I saw Steve surrounded by eager fans bombarding him with questions. With infinite patience, he would always give his full attention to address their enquiries. Steve had a great understanding of how the music of Libera, indeed the Libera “Ministry”, as he once called it, could inspire, could comfort, and could heal troubled souls. I will miss him greatly, as will we all.

My sincere condolences to his family.

That’s very sad. I hope his son Ben returns to singing with Libera.

(I did not realize just how HUGE London really was! 80 miles! From one part of London to another part?!? I thought New York was big!)

Мир несправедливо устроен. Мне очень жаль…

I am struggling to come to terms with this tragic news. My prayers will be for everyone involved with Libera. All of us at Boystuff Magazine are thinking of you. Rest in peace Steve, it was a absolute pleasure to know you.

My condolences to Steven’s wife, children, and family. His dedication and hard work toward Libera and his other philanthropic efforts will be missed for sure. I cannot imagine the hours he spent simply taking care of people, Libera or otherwise. May you rest in peace Steven – and rise in glory.

In memory of Steve Philipp 1962 – 2017. May God bless his soul for his long time efforts to bring the celestial music of Libera to the world. May peace be upon his family in this time of sorrow. May Libera members, past and present, rejoice in all that he has done for them…his legacy will surely live forever…

It’s really weird, for some reason just today, I was thinking of Ben Phillip and what he might be doing with himself these days and then tonight, on the phone, a friend gave me this terrible news. I hadn’t heard.

As everyone else here has already said, Steven was a through and through gentleman who always had time for us fans. I spoke with him briefly on a handful of occasions over the years and he was always so generous with his time and patience. A softly spoken, lovely, lovely man.

Condolences to his family. Much too young to go. Rest in peace.

My condolences to Steven’s wife, children, and family.

W. Yashchin

Abakan, Russia.

I am so saddened to learn of the passing of Mr. Phillip. I know what a big part of Libera He was. Although I never met him, I know, from all I read about him and all that he did for the boys and the whole program. I wish to express my condolences to Ben and all the family and to everyone who knew him.

That was a good man.
Rest In Peace.

4TESLA

Krasnoyarsk, Russian Federation.

R.I.P. Steve’s family.
Mister Steve your son mini Ben it’s one perfect young men. For ever in my heart ♥ Libera Choir.

Although I never had a chance to meet Mr. Philipp in person, I’ve always heard about how much remarkable effort Mr. Philipp had made to support Libera and many details about Mr. Philipp that deeply touch my heart. Basically Mr. Philipp is a kind and generous man I admire and respect from a distance. I never imagined he would leave us so early at such a young age. This morning I heard this sad news by accident and now I am in deep sorrow. Mr. Philipp, you will always be with Libera family and remembered by us all. Rest in peace.